Sheet feeding mechanism



Dec. 22, 1931. c, L, POST 1,837,190

SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed March 5, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 IlllllllllllllflmIlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll I ll flheaeci I (/laudazl afii Dec. 22, 1931. I c, s 1,837,190

SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM I Filed March 5, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q Eg & 2 *1 Q m m i g x Q Q N 1 a a w m w w w z;

Dec. 22, 1931. c. POST SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed March 5, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Yam. l JET,

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C. L. POST SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed March 5. 1926 1 Sheets-Sheet 4 Inverr ahadejjbst,

Dec. 22, 1931. c. POST SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed March 5, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 lfl r thesses Dec. 22, 1931. c. PosT SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed a fi 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet '7 I7L0en$f 6W; H515.

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Dec. 22, 1931.

c. L. PosT 1,837,190

SHEEGI FEEDING MECHANISM Filed March 5, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet a C. L. POST SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Dec. 22, 1931.

Filed March 5, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 w ym QM WM Dec. 22, 1931. c, 1 051" SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM FilBd MaI0h 1926 10 Sheets--Sheet 10 Patented Dec. 22, 1931 CLAUDE'L. FOST, F OEEGAGO, ILLILRTOIS ELHEEF FEEDING MECHANESM Application. filed March 5, 1928. Serial 1:10. 92,331;

My invention. relates to sheet feeding mechanism and has among its other objects the production of. mechanism ofthe kind described which is convenient, durable, efficient and satisfactory for'use Wherever found applicable.

A. particular object of the invention is to provide improved mechanism for feeding sheets of paper, envelopes, or the equivalent, to printing devices, embossing machines, folding machines, etc.

Another particular object of the invention is to provide improved mechanism adapted to. feed sheets of various thicknesses without adjustment therefor.

Still another particular object of the invention is to provide improved sheet feeding mechanism adapted to feed relatively thin stock without injury thereto.

l have illustrated several forms of the invention in the accompanying drawings, each of which. forms comprises means adapted to travel over stockor row of envelopes, sheets of paper, or the equivalent, and to frictionally engage or grip the last envelope or sheet of paper in the stack or row, the envelope or sheet of paper thusengaged being withdrawn from the stack or row and advanced to printing mechanism which does not form a part of this invention.

Many other objects and, advantagesof the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construct-ion, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the. drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

lis a side elevation of sheet feeding mechanism embodying the invention;

2 is a plan view of the improved mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4c. is a section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1;v

Fig. 5-is a rear elevation of the, improved. mechanism Fig. 6 is an. enlarged, fragmentary sect-ion taken on. substantially the sameline as Fig.3 5.

Fig. 71' is a perspective view' illustrating certain details of construction of the im proved mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a section, taken on line 8-8 of, Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section taken substantially on the same line as F 3 and illustrating the manner in which the stock being fed is frictiona-lly engaged by the friction member forming a part of the improved mechanism Fig. 10 is a side elevation of sheet feeding mechanism embodying another form'of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12' is a section taken on line 1212 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is asection taken on line l313 of Fig. 11;

Fig. lt is an end elevation of the mechar nism shown in Fig. 13';

Fig. 15 is a section taken on line, l515 of Fig. 11; V

Fig. 1.6 is an enlarged section through. one of the feeding members adapted to frictionally engage the stock being fed;

Fig, 17 is a section taken on line l71-7 of Fig. 16; and

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary section through a sheet feeding device embodying still another form of the invention.

Referring for the present to Figs. I to 9, inclusive, wherein I have shown one form of the invention embodied in mechanism adapted to feed sheets of paper, envelopes, or the equivalent, to printing mechanism of the type shown in my co-pending application, Serial No. 700,403, filed Mar. 19,1924, the reference character 20 designates generally aframe for the improved feeding mechanism and the reference character 21 designates generally the frame of the printing machine. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited. to. printing machines of the character indicated nor is it limited to Ind printing machines in general as the improved feeding mechanism is adapted to feed envelopes, sheets of paper, or the equivalent, to embossing machines, folding machines, wrap- 5 ping machines or any other machine adapted to use sheets or envelopes.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the printing mechanism comprises a shaft 23 rotatably journaled in the frame 21 and provided with a sprocket 24meshing with a sprocket chain 25 which operatively connects the sprocket with any suitable source of power, this construction being substantially identical with the construction shown in the aforementioned co-pending application. Pinned to the shaft 23 are feed rolls 27 which cooperate with a feed roll 28 to advance envelopes or sheets of paper to printing rolls (not shown), the roll 28 having trunnions 29 rotatably journaled in the frame 21. The means for driving the roll 28 comprises a gear 30 fixed to one of the trunnions 29 and arranged to mesh with a pinion 31 mounted upon the shaft 23.

The improved feeding mechanism may be driven by means comprising a sprocket 24 secured to the shaft 23 adapted to mesh with a sprocket chain 35 which meshes with a sprocket 36 fixed to a shaft 37 rotatably journaled in the frame 20. Pinned to the shaft 37 is a pulley 39 which is aligned with a pulley 4O pinned to a shaft 41 rotatably. journaled in the frame 20, a belt 42 being trained over the pulleys 39 and 40in such manner that the shafts 37 and 41 rotate in opposite directions.

Constrained to rotate with the shaft 37 and mountedthereon are rotary feed members or rollers 43 which cooperate with rotary feed members or rollers 44 rotatably journaled upon stud shafts 45 mounted in the frame 20 (see Fig. 4). In practice I have had good results by employing rollers 44 having treads formed of rubber. it will be noted that the rotary feed members 43 and 44 are adapted to advance the stock to the feed rolls 27 and 28. Pinned to the shaft 41 are sprockets 47 meshing with sprocket chains 48 which also mesh with sprockets 49 rotatably journaled upon a shaft 50, which is, in turn, rotatably journaled in the frame 20. Interposed between the sprocket chains 48 and arranged to travel therewith are pins 53 which carry feeding devices each feeding device being indicated in general by the reference character 54. As best illustrated in Fig. 2, each feeding device 54 comprises bent bars 55 having hubs 56 rotatably journaled upon one of the pins 53, the hubs 56 being spaced to accommodate a collar 58 which prevents displacement of the hubs longitudinally of the pin. Interposed between each pair-of bent bars 55 are discs 59 rotatably ournaled upon a pin 60 mounted in the bars and secured to the bars at their free ends is a holder 63 from which a friction member 64 projects, the friction member 64 being formed from any suitable material which has a relatively high coeflicient of friction. I preferably form the friction members 64 from sponge rubber, or the equivalent. It will be noted that the friction members 64 are retained in the holders 63 by frictional engagement therewith, a pin 66 being provided in each holder to limit inward displacement of the friction member.

The angular displacement of the feeding devices 54 around their respective pins 53 is limited by loops 68 formed of suitable flexible material, such as twine (see Fig. 6). When the mechanism is in operation, the loops 68 insure that the feeding devices 54 will properly approach a feed table 69 dieposed beneath the sprocket chains 48 and provided with longitudinal slots 7 0 aligned with the discs 59. Mounted in the feed table 69 are friction elements 72 formed from sponge rubber, or any other suitable material, each friction element being secured in a channel 73 which is adjustably secured to the table by bolts 75 having nuts 76 threaded thereon adapted to retain the channel in a plurality of adjusted positions against the action of compression springs 7 7 Wound around the bolts 75. Guide members 78 are mounted upon the table 69 by means comprising bolts 79 secured to the table and arranged to project through slots 80 formed in the 'uide members, wing nuts 81 being provided for lockingthe guide members in their adjusted positions.

. A magazine 85 is provided at the rear end of the table 69 and preferably comprises a vertically disposed plate 86 which is rigidly secured in the frame 20 and is thereby held against movement relative to the table 69. Arranged adjacent the plate 86 is a substantially horizontal plate 89 adapted to carry the stock which is to be fed to the printing mechanism, the plate 89 being adapted to be vertically displaced between two guides 90 secured to the plate 86 by bolts 91 or the equivalent screw-threaded into the plate 86 passed through slots 92 formed in the guides. Asbest shown in Fig. 2, the guides 90 are preferably aligned with the guide members 78. Positioned upon the rear end of the plate 89 are guides 94 which prevent lateral displacement of the stock relative to the plate 89 and are adj ustably secured to the plate by means comprising bolts 95 fixed to the plate and ar ranged to project through slots 96 formed in the guides, wing nuts 97 being provided for securing the guides in their adjusted positions. Each end of the plate 89 is riveted to an L-shaped member 99 and the Lshaped members are provided with pins 100 adapted to ride in depressions 101 formed in the frame 20. Projecting from the end of each pin 100 is a pin 103 of smaller diameter to whichone end of a spring 104 is secured, the other end frame :20. The springs 104 tendto elevate" the plate 89 but are controlled bymeans .com-

prising a roller 106 journaled upon a pin 107 and engaged b cams 109 secured to a shaft 110 rotatably 1ournaled in the: framei20.

interposed and secured' to the shaft 110and the pins 100 .are lazy tongs 112 comprising a plurality of-ibars 113 having their ends pivoted to each other as at 114 and being pivoted to each other intermediate their ends by pins 115. Enlarged portions of the pins 115 ride in the recesses 101as shown inFigs. '1 and.5. It will be noted that in two instances the pins 115 are omitted andare replaced by the pm 107 which extends from one lazy tong to the other. a i I It is readily understood that the cams 109 are angularly displaced to permit the roller 106 and the pin 107 to approach the shaft 110, the springs 104 willcontract and raise the plate 89 a distance exceeding the a distance through which the pin 107' travels.

At certain times during the operation of the mechanism, thecams 109 are angularly displaced by means comprising asprocket118 secured to the shaft 110and 'meshedwith a sprocket chain 119, which alsomeshes with a sprocket 120 rigidly secured to the shaft 50. Also rigidly secured to theshaft 50 is a ratchet 122 which is'engageable by a pawl 123 pivoted by a pin 124 upon one end of a lever 125, the lever 125 :being pivoted intermediate its ends to the frame 20bya pin 126. The pawl 123 isurgedtoward the ratchet 122 by a leaf spring 128 mounted upon the lever 125 but is normally held out of engagement therewith by abent rod-130 projecting from a collar 131 rigidly secured to one end ofa shaft'133 pivoted in the frame 20, the shaft 133 being providedwitha crank portion 134 intermediate its ends, which crank portion 1s engageable by the discs 59 when they pass through the slots 7 in the table 69. A spring 136 having one end fastened to-the bent rod 130 and having its other end fixed to a pin 13? projecting from the frame yieldingly holds the bent rod in the position wherein it holds the pawl 123 out of engagement with the ratchet 122.. A pitman 139 has one end projecting through an aperture 140 formed 1 'n the lever 125, springs 141 and 142 being interposed between the lever and a shoulder 145 formed upon the pitman and a'nut 144 screw-threaded thereon. The other end of the pitman 139 is pivoted by a screw 146 to a disc 7 l4? fixed to the shaft 41 ,the longitudinal axis "1: of the screw 146 being spaced from the axis of rotation of the disc. .Obviously,.when the shaft 41 is rotated, the pitman 139 oscillates the lever 125 sothat the pawl 123 engages the ratchet 122, the ratchet .will be advanced in a step by stepimotion and :it, in turn, will rotate the shaft 50.. This rotation .is "transmitted to the shaft '110by1the sprockets 118 and 120 and the sprocket chain 119.

The ()PGIELtlOIIOfithQ above described mechanism is substantially as follows: A supply ofuenvelopes, sheets of paper, or the equivalent, is placedin the magazine 85, a .portion of the envelop esor sheets being pushed forward uponthe table69, as illustrated in Fig. 9. The mechanism is then .set in motion,

whereupon the feeding devices 54 are continuously advanced by. the sprocket chains 48 in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig.3. When oneof the feedingdevices 54 comes :in contact with the stock its discs 59 ride :thereonuntilthey pass over-the piece ofestock nearest the rotary feed members 43 and 44andadrop intopthe slots 70. This permits the friction member 64 to engage said piece of stock and to advance it until it is engaged by the rotary feed members 43 and 44; The rotary feed members 44 hold the piece of stock intoengagementwiththe members 43, which are mounted upon the shaft 37. The members 43 and: 44 advance the stock to the feed rolls 27 and 28, which, in turn, advancexthe stock to the printing mechanism (not shown). The manner in which the friction members 64 engage the stock when the discs 59 passtherefrom is bestillustrated in Fig. 9. The feeding devices 54 are preferably so designed that their weight is sufficienttocause'the friction members .64

to effectively engage the stock, but a spring maybe used if desired to urge the friction members against the stock. The friction elements 72 insure that only one piece of stock will be withdrawn by each friction member 64, each time the 'frictionmemberis advanced over the table 69. When aninsufiicient supply of stock is disposed upon'the table 69 to prevent the discs 59 from engaging the crank portion 134 when theyfall into the slots 70, the shaft 133 ,willbeangularly displaced by the discs 59 to bring the bent rod 130 into a position whereinit permits the pawl 123 to engage theratchet 122. Then as the pitman 139 iscontinuously reciprocated and it, in turn, oscillates the'lever 125, the pawl 123 will advance the ratchet so that the cams 109-will be angularly displaced in the manner described above. 104 will then raise theplate 89 to bring more stock into the path ofthe feeding devices 54, which then distribute the stock upon the table until the discs 59 are again prevented from engaging the crank portion 134.

Referring now to Figs. 10 to 17, inclusive, wherein I have shown another form of the invention embodied in mechanism adaptedto feed envelopes, sheets of paper, or the'like, to a printin machine which comprises the above descri ed frame 21, the feed rolls-27 and 28, the shaftg23,.the sprocket 24 andithe sprocket chain'25, the reference character 20a The springs designates generallya frame adaptedto hold the improved mechanism. J ournaled in the frame 20a is a shaft 37a which is driven from the shaft 23 by means comprising sprockets 34aand 36a, and a sprocket chain 35a (see Fig. Secured to the shaft 37a is a gear 155, which meshes with a gear 156 secured to a shaft 11a journals-d in the frame 20a.

Also secured to the shaft 37a are rotary feed members 13a which cooperate with rotary feed members 1460 rotatably journaled upon stud shafts a mounted in the frame a. A plurality of sprockets 47a fixed to the shaft 41a mesh with sprocket chains i8a which also mesh with sprockets et9a rotatably ournaled upon a shaft 50a, the shaft 500; being journaled in the frame 20a. Interposed between the sprocket chains 48a and carried thereby are pins 53a upon which feeding devices 5eta are mounted, each feeding device 54a, preferably comprising bent bars 55a having hubs 56a journaled upon the associated pin 53a. Interposed between each pair of hubs 56a is a collar 58a secured to the pin 53a and adapted to prevent displacement of the feeding devices longitudinally of the pin. A pin 60a carried by each pair of bent bars 55a rotatably journals discs 59a and upon the free ends of the bent bars 55a a holder 63cis mounted for holding a friction member G la preferably formed of sponge rubber, or the equivalent. As best illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17, the friction member 64a is slidably mounted in the holder 63a and is secured to a backing member 160 which is secured to a screw 161 by a pin 162 adapted to ride in a slot 163 formed in the screw. The screw 161 is threaded in the holder 63a and may be manipulated to raise or lower the friction member 6 1a in the holder. Angular displacement of the feeding devices 54a relative to the pins 53a is limited by loops 68a which connect the pins 6005 with pins 6% carried by the chains 18a. The chains 18a are adapted to advance the feeding devices 54a over an inclined table 69a which serves as a magazine, the directlon of travel of the chains 7 18a being indicatedby arrows in Fig. 12. The I table 69a is provided with slots 70a through which the discs 59a may pass to engage a crank portion 134a formed upon a shaft 133a pivoted in the frame 20a. Friction elements 72a formed of rubber, or the equivalent are adiustably' mounted in the table 69a and 5-- form the same function as the aforementioned to a pitman 139a which has one of its ends pivoted to a disc 147a by ascrew 1 16a, the

disc 147a being fixed to the shaft'dla. The other end of the pitman 139a rides upon a hub 172 formed integral with the gear 168. If the lever 130a is displaced to permit the pawl 123a to engage the ratchet 122a and the pitman 139a is reciprocated the pawl 123a will advance the ratchet 122a in a step by step fmotion' and this motion will be transmitted to the shaft 170 by the gears 168 and.169. hieshing with the sprocket 171 mounted upon the shaft 170 is asprocket chain 175which also meshes with a sprocket 176 journaled upon a shaft 177 mounted at the rear end of the table 69a. It will be noted that one leg of the sprocket chain 175 rides upon the table 69a.

Mounted upon the table 69a are L-shaped guide members 178 riveted to bracket members 179 which are adjustably secured to the table 69a by means comprising bolts 180 secured to the table, the bolts being adapted to pass through slots 181 formed in bracket members and wing nuts 182 being provided for securing the bracket members in their adjusted positions.

The operation of the improved mechanism illustrated in Figs. 10 to 17, inclusive, is substantially as follows:

The stock which is to be fed to the printing mechanism is arranged upon the table 69a in substantially the same manner as the stock arranged in Fig. 9. However, a relatively large amount of stock can be disposed upon the table 69a, the greater portion of it being positioned upon that leg of the chain 175 which travels over the table. V7 hen the mechanism is set in motion, the chains 48a advance the feeding devices 54a in the manner indicated by the arrows in Fig. 12. When a feeding device 540, comes in contact with the stock, the discs 59a ride upon the stock until they pass over it and drop into slots 70a, whereupon the associated friction member 64a engages that piece of stock which is positioned nearest to the rotary feed members 43a and 44a and advances said piece of stock to the rotary feed members. The rotary feed members then advance the stock to the feed rolls 27 and 28 which, in turn, deliver it to the printing mechanism (not shown). When sufficient stock has been removed from the table 69a to permit the discs 59a to engage the crank portion 13466, the crank portion 134a is displaced and the shaft 138a is rotated sufficiently to bring the lever 180a out of the position wherein it holds the pawl 123a disengaged from the ratchet 122a. The reciprocating pitman 139a then causes the pawl 123a to advance the ratchet 122a in a step by step motion and this motion is imparted to-the sprocket chain 175 in the manner above described. The sprocket chain then advancesthe stock until it prevents the disc 59a from engaging the crank portion 13%, whereupon the lever 130a is restored to the position' wherein it holds the pawl 123a out of enga ement with the ratchet 122a.

As describedabove, the friction elements 72 and 72a are adjusta'bly mounted with respect "to the tables 69 and 69a,respectively. This permitsthe friction elements to be adjusted forvarious kinds of stock the apparatus is employed to handle. Whenever paper having a glazed surface is being handled, the friction elements 72 and 7 2a are:adjusted so that they project a relatively large distance above the tables 69 and 690;, respectively, so that the stockis effectively engaged thereby and the feed devioes'fiet and "54a are prevented from advancing more than a single sheet thereof at the time. "When a. rougher stock is used, the friction elements are preferably adjusted so that theirtupper surfaces project slightly above or lie substantially flush with the upper surface of the tables.

In Fig; 18, I have shown preferred "construction which-may be employed in place of some of the construction-shownin Figs. 1- to 17 inclusive, the preferred construction heingemployed inmeans for receiving the stock when it is fedfrom the tables 69'or 69a by the friction member-side or'fia, respectively. Thus, the reference character 690 indicates a feed table which may represent either the feed table 69 or the feed table 69a,

the feed table'690 being mounted in a. frame 200. which isgfixed with. respect to one end of a frame 210 provided: for the" printing mechanism (not shown). 'Frictionmembers 64:0 carried by chains 480 in the same manner as the "friction members 64 or 64a are carried by the chains 48 or 48a respectively, and are adapted toadvance the stock from the table 690 to rotary feed mmbersor rolls 43c and 4A0, which are, in turn, adaptedto deliver the stock to sheet advancing mechanism mounted inthe frame 210 and comprising sprocket chains 190. The sprocket chains 190 have lugs 191 adapted to'engage the stock and advance it-to the printing mechanism {not shown) ,--this sheet-advancing mechanism being substantially of tliesame construction as shown in the "above mentioned It' will be noted that copending application. the stock is advanced fbetween guide members 193 and 194 and that itlisxcausedto engage a toothed wheel 195by=a roller 196. The toothed Wheel .195is fixed to a shaft 197 upon which sprockets are mounted for the sprocket chains 190. the shaft 197. being driven by means as shown in the aforementioned application; The sprocket chains 480 mesh with sprockets 470 fixed to a shaft 410 which is driven by means comprising a sprocket chain25c operatively connecting a sprocket fixed to the shaft 410' with the means for driving the printing mechanism (not shown). Pinned or otherwise secured to the shaft 410 is a pulley 40c aligned with a pulley 39c fixed to a shaft 370 which carries .the

rolls 430. A belt 420 is trained over the pulleys 40c and 390 in such manner that the shafts370 and 41a rotate in opposite, directions, 7 p 7 i V shafts 45c fixed in the frame 200. y l It will be noted that in the construction shown in Fig. 18, the feed rolls 2,7 and 28 are notemployed and thatthefeed rolls 430 and 440 feed stock directly to the sheet, advancingmechanism of the printing machine.

Having thus described my invention, is

maybe made in the samewithout departing from the spirit of my invention; henceIdo not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shownjand described; or uses mentioned,

. What I claimas new and desire to securie by Letters Patent is: n. 1

r 1. In feeding mechanism, atable for hold In feeding mechanism, a table for h ol ding a plurality of articles, non-reciprocatingmeans disposed above the articles and mov- 1 able relative thereto for frictionallyengaging, the articles one at the time and advancing them, and means controlledby the firstmentioned means for replenishing the supply, of articles upon the table.

3. In feeding mechanism, means for holding a-plurality of articles arranged, in overlapping alignment, non-reciprocating means movable relative to thefirst-mentioned means:

for engaging an article atone end of the row .and advancing it, andmeans controlled by of articles substantially as a unit; 4. Intfjeeding mechanism, means for holding'a plurality of articles arranged in oversaid movable means for advancinv the row The rolls 440 are mounted upon stud obvious thatvarious immaterial modifications lapping alignment, non-reciprocating means movable relative to the first-mentioned means for frictionally engaginganfarticle at one end of the row and advancing it, and means controlledby saidmovable means for advancing the row of articles substantially as a unit.

i 5.1111 feedingmechanism,'a tablefor' hold ing a plurality of-articles,nonereciprocating means disposed above the articles and movable relative thereto for engaging the articles one; at the time and advancing them, and means disposed below-the articles, and controlled by the first-mentioned means for. advancing a plurality of the articles simultaneously. *6. In feeding mechanism, atable for holding 'apluralityof articles, non-reciprocating means for frictionally engaging and advancin them one at the time, amagazinefor ho ding a supply of said articles, and means "controlled by said first-mentioned means for ejecting articles from the magazine to replenish the supply upon the table.

, 7]. In feeding mechanism, a table'for holding a plurality of articles, non-reciprocating means movable over the articles for frictionally engaging and advancing them one at the time, a magazine for holding a supply of said articles, and means controlled by said movable meansfor ejecting articles from the magazine to replenish the supply upon the table.

i 8. In feeding mechanism, means for holding a row of articles, non-reciprocable means arranged to ride over the upper surface of said articles and to advance the last article in said row, and means controlled by said movable means for advancing a plurality of said 7 articles in unison.

' 9. In feeding apparatus,-the combination with a feeding device comprisinga rotatable disc and a friction member, of means for ad- 1 vancing the feeding device over a plurality of articles arranged in overlapping alignment,

" the feeding device being rotatable into engagement with said articles and the friction member being arranged to engage the last article when the disc passes therefrom.

' 10. In feeding apparatus, the combina- 'tionfwith a friction member, of rotatable means associated with the friction member for advancing it over a row of articles, said friction member being rotatable into engagement with the last article in'the row and "to separate it from the other articles.-

- 11. "In feeding apparatus, the combination with a friction member, of means traveling continuously in a fixed path for advancing the friction member'over a row of'articles,

' means adapted to ride upon the articles for holdin the friction member out of contact therewlth, said friction member arranged to engage and advanceone of said articles when said means-adapted to ride upon the articles passes out of engagement therewith.

3 more than one of said sheets.

13. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding a row of the sheets, a

gripping member, non-reciprocating means for advancing the gripping member over the table, and normally stationary means for preventing the gripping member from moving more than one of said sheets.

14. Sheet feeding mechanismcomprising a table for holding the sheets, a friction member, means for advancing the friction member over the table, adjustable means adapted to engage the bottom surfaces of said sheets for preventing the friction member from moving more than one of said sheets, and rotatable means arranged to receive the sheets from the friction member.

15. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding the sheets, non-reciproeating means for advancing the sheets one at the time, and normally stationary means for frictionally engaging the bottom surfaces of the sheets to prevent more than one sheet from being advanced at one time.

16. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding the sheets, means for frictionally engaging and advancing the sheets one at the time, and means adjustably mounted on the table for frictionally engaging the sheets to prevent more than one sheet from being advanced at one time.

17. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding the sheets, means for advancing the sheets one at the time, and adjustable means on the table for frictionally engaging the sheets to prevent more than one sheet from being advanced at one time.

18. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding the sheets, means for frictionally engaging and advancing the sheets one at the time, and adjustable means on the table for frictionally engaging the sheets to prevent more than one sheet from being advanced at one time.

19. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding the sheets, an endless chain arranged to travel over the table, a holder carried by the chain, and a-frictiori member adj ustably carried by the holder and engageable with the sheets.

20. In a sheet feeding mechanism, the combination with a feed table adapted to hold a feathered bank of sheets, of means traveling continuously in a fixed'path and disposed above saidtable' and movable relative there-.

to and engageable with said bank of sheets for further'feathering or combing out said sheets and thereafter advancing the top sheet only-of said bank.

21. In a sheet feeding mechanism, the com-.

of, and means disposed above the table andmovable with respect thereto for advancing one sheet at the time from said bank of sheets.

22. In a sheet feeding mechanism, the combination with a table adapted to receive a feathered bank of sheets, of means traveling continuously 111 a fixed path for advancing one sheet at the time from said bank of sheets, a supply stack of sheets adjacent the,

table, said sheet advancing means being I "mean we adapted to replenish the hank of sheets from said supply stack. a.

23. In a sheet feeding mechanism, the comhination with a table adaptedto receive a feathered bank-ofsheets, of means traveling continuously in a fixed path for advancing,

one sheet at the time from said bankof sheets, a supply stack of sheetsudjacent'the ceive a feathered bank of sheets of a supply a table adapted to sup ort a continuation 'of said feathered bank of sheets, conveying means associated with saidsupply'tahlefor replenishing thehank 'OfSlIBGtS on said feed table from said supply table and means traveling continuously in a fixed path movable over said feed table for advancingthesheets thereon one at the time. V

25. In a sheet feeding mechanism, the com-V hination Withan' inclined feed table, of an inclined supplytable' formed substantially an extension ofsa-i'd feed table; the'said feed and supply tables being adapted to receive a continuous featheredhank (ifsheets, means traveling continuously ina fixed path above said feed table for advancing sheets tl refrom one at the time and means associated with said supply table for advancing the bank of sheets as a unit. V I

26. In a sheet feeding mechanism; the comhination With an inclined feed table, of an inclined supply table formed substantially as an extension of said feed table, thefsaid feed and supply tables being adapted to receive a continuous feathered bank of sheets, means above said feed tablefor' advancing sheets therefrom one at the time and means associated with said supplytablefor advancing the bank of sheets as a unit and means governed by'the supply on said feed tablefor rendering said last mentioned means effective or ineffective.

27. In afe'eding mechanismya table for holding a plurality of articles,ineans movable relative to said table andarticles for engaging and moving thedattenone at the time and means adjustably emhodied'inthe surface of said table for frictionally engaging and retarding the movement: of saidarticles. V V

28. Sheet feeding mechanism comprisinga table for holding the sheets, a reservoir'for holding a supply of sheets for said table, a feeding mechanism for advancing the sheets one at a time onsaid table, meansifor intermittently causingthe supply of sheets from said reservoir, and means operatively connected to said feeding mechanism for actuting said intermittent means, said feeding table to sa with said feeding mechanism for actuating nism continuing'to' function While said mechanism continuingto function While said actuatingrmeansis'in operation. .7

' 29. Sheet-feeding mechanism comprising an inclined feed table, an inclined supply table formed substantially as an extension of 1 feed table, a feeding'mechanism foradvancing the sheets one at a time onsaid feed table; 'meanswfor intermittently supplying sheet-sfrom'said su ply table"; and meansoperatively connecte :to said feedingmechanism for actuating said intermittent: means, sald feedmg mechanismeontmmng to function whlle said actuating means is 1n. operation.

a I 30. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding the sheets, areservoir-riot holding. a supply ofsheets for -said tablaa non-reciprocating feeding mechanism" for advancing the sheets one at a time on said table. means for intermittently causing the supply ofsheets from said reservoir, and means associated with said feed'mechanism for actuating said intermittent means, said feeding mech anism continuing to, function Wl11l68fl1d actuating means is in operation.

31+ Sheet feeding mechanism comprising an inclined feed table, anninc'linedisupply table'formed substantiallyas ahreirtension of said feed table, a non-reciprocating feeding mechanismfor advancing the sheetsone at a time on said feed table; means for intermittently supplying sheets fromsa'id supply feedltable, and means associated said intermittent mean s, said feeding mechaating means istin operation.

32. Sheet feeding mechanism comprisin an apertured table for holding the sheets.- a non-reciprocating: reservoir for holding a supplyofsheetsforsaid table, a feeding mechanism for advancing. the sheets meet a time on said table,vmeans for intermittently causingth'e supply'zof sheets fromsaid. reservoir,

and a member associated with said feeding mechanism and depressihle Within the apertures of said table for cooperating-with said intermittent meansand rendering the same effective. 5

'33. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising an apertured table for holding the sheets, a reservoir for holding a supply of sheets for said table; a feeding mechanismforadvancing the sheets one-mate time on said table,

means for; intermittently causing the/supply of sheets from said reservoir, and a member actuassociated with said feeding mechanism and depressible within the apertures or said table for cooperating with said intermittent means and rendering the same effective, said"- feeding mechanism continuing to function while said intermittent means ism operation.

34. In feeding. mechanism, means for hold- :ing a plurality of articles in overlapping alignment and means travelling continuously in a fixed path and movable over said articles and in aplane substantially parallel to that of their exposed surfaces and adapted to engage only the last one of'said articles for advancing it.

35. In feeding mechanism, means for holding a plurality of articles in overlapping alignment, and means travelling continuously in a fixed path and movable over said articles and in a plane substantially parallel to that of their exposed surfaces and adapted frictionally to engage only the last one of said articles for advancing it. a

36. In feeding mechanism, means-for holding a plurality of articles in overlapping alignment, means movable over a row of said artlcles in a plane substantially. parallel to that of the adjacent surfaces thereof, a frictional member carried by said movable means, and rotatable means also carried by said movable means and adapted to ride upon adjacent surfaces of said articles for maintaining said friction'member out of engagement therement therewith..-

37. In feeding mechanism, means for holding a plurality of articles in overlapping alignment, means movable over'a row of said articles in a plane substantially parallel to the exposed surfaces thereof, rotatable means carried by said movable means and adapted to ride over said articles, and a friction member carried by said movable means adaptedto engage and advance one of said articles when said rotatable means passes out of egagement therewith.

- 38. In feeding mechanism, means for holding a plurality of articles in overlapping alignment, non-reciprocating means movable over a row of said articles in a plane sub stantially parallel to the exposed surfaces thereof, means carried by said non-reciprocating means and adapted to ,rideover 'said articles, and a friction member carried by said non reciprocating means adapted to engage and advance one of said articles when said means adapted to ride on the articles passes out of engagement therewith.

39. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising a table for holding sheets, areservoir for holding a supply of sheets for said table, a feeding mechanlsm for advancing the sheets one the supply of sheets on said table for actuating said intermittent means, said feeding mechanism contlnuing to function while said actuating means is in operation.

40. Sheet feeding mechanism comprisingan inclined feed table, an inclined supply table formed substantially as an extension of in a plane substantially parallel to that of the adjacent surfaces of said articles and adapted to engage only the last one of said articles for advancing it, a magazine for holding a supply of said articles, and means controlled by said non-reciprocating means for ejecting articles from the magazine to replenish the supply of articles upon said holding means.

42. In feeding mechanism, means for holding a plurality of articles in overlapping alignment, non-reciprocating means movable over said articles and in a plane substantially parallel to that of their exposed surfaces and adapted to engage only the last one of said articles for advancing it, a magazine for holding a supply of said articles, and means controlled by said non-reciprocating means for ejecting articles from the magazine to replenish the supply of articles upon said holdin g means.

43.-'In feeding apparatus, the combination With a feeding device comprising a rotatable disk and a friction member, of means for advancing the feeding device over a plurality of articles arranged in overlappin alignment, the feeding device being supported on said articles by the disk and the friction member being arranged to follow said disk and to engage and advance the last article when the disk passes therefrom.

44. In feeding'apparatus, the combination vancing it over a row of articles, said friction member being arranged to follow said rotatable means and to engage the last article in the row and to separate it from the other articles.

45. In feedingmechanism, means for holding a plurality of articles in overlapping alignment, and means moving continuously in a fixed path over a plurality of the exposed 47. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising an apertured table for holding the sheets, a reservoir for holding asupply of sheets for said table, a feeding mechanism for advancing the sheets one at a time on said table, means for intermittently causing the supply of sheets from said reservoir and a member associated with said feeding mechanismand depressible within the apertures of said table by gravity for cooperating with said intermittent means and rendering the same effective.

48. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising an apertured table for holding the sheets, a reservoir for holding a supply of sheets for said table, a frictional feeding member for advancing the sheets one at a time on said table, means for intermittently causing the supply of sheets from said reservoir, arotatable disk movable over said table and depressible within the apertures thereof for cooperating with said intermittent means and rendering the same effective, said disk being connected with said frictional memberso as to maintain the same out of engagement with said sheets until said disk has been depressed into a flap and thereupon bringing said membar into eding engagement with a sheet.

i9. Sheet feeding mechanism compr slng an apertured table for holdingthejsheets, a reservoir for'holding a supply of sheets for said table, a frictional feeding member for advancing the sheets one at atime on s table, means for intermittently causing thereof for cooperating with said intermittent means and renderin the same eifective,

said non-frictional mem er being connected with said frictional member so as to maintain the same out of engagement with said sheets until said disk has been'depressed into flap and thereupon bringing said membar into feeding engagement with a sheet.

50. Sheet feeding mechanism comprising an apertured table for holding the sheets, a reservoir for holding a supply of sheets for said table, a feeding mechanism for advancing the sheets one at a time on said table,

means for intermittently causing the supply 7 of sheets from said reservoir, and a rotatable disk associated with said feeding mechanism means and rendering the same efiective, said feeding mechanism contlnu ng to function while said intermittent means is in operation.

51. In a feeding mechanism the combinaof a table, means for successively feeding articles from said table, means for mov-' the table to present an article to the feeding means, and means for controlling said movement of said table, sald means including an eccentric, a lazy tong mechanism located article fromsaid table.

Between"tfiegtabletandjeccentric,anl means for moving the eccentric I a prescribed dis Lanes npon-removal: Of aHQItiCl" Said ing articles'from said table, means for moving the table to presentan article-to the feeding means, and imeansffor controlling said movement of'said table, sa1d-means1nlocated'between the'table and eccentric, a spring normally urgin thetable toward the eccentric,'andmeans or moving the eccentricaprescribeddistancenpon removal of an 53 Inya feeding device, atable for ca ing a plurality of articles; means' movab e from one. end toi'the dpposite end of said table havingmeans for enga' an article and conveying ,said articleya ongthetable; and Ineansfor presenting thearticle engaging means to said table for engagement with said article. I i

54. In a'feeding device, a table for carrying a plurality-of articles, means movable from'one end tothe opposite end of the table having means pivotally connected thereto'for engaging an article and conveying said article along the table, and meansfor preventing thearticle engaging means to said table for engagement with said article.

55. In a feeding device, a table forcarrying a plurality of articles, an endless element opera le along said table, article advancing means carried by said element, means for presenting an article to said advancing means, and means carried by said endless element providing an element of means for actuating said last mentioned means.

56. In a feeding device, a table for carrying a plurality of articles, means for conveying an article along the table and means for advancing an article to the conveying means, said conveying means including a truck having means for engaging an article and having means providing an element of means foractuating said article advancing means.

57 In a feeding device, atable for carrying a plurality of articles, said table being provided with a slot which extends inward- 1y of the table from one end of the table, ar-

'ticle advancing means, an end of which is located adjacent the inner termination of said slot,- article conveying means locatedabove the slot and extending from said termi-' nation of the advancing means to adjacent the opposite termination of the slot. r

58. In a feeding device, a table for carrying a plurality of articles, said table being provided .with a slot which extends inwardly, of the table from one end of the table, article advancing means, an end of which is located adjacent the inner termination of said slot,

article conveying means located above the eluding an eccentric,' a lazy tong mechanism,

its

slot and extending from said termination of the advancing meansto adjacent the opposite terminationof the slot, and means located adjacent said slot providing an element of means for controlling operation of thearticle advancing means.

.59. In a feedin device, a table for carrying a plurality 0% provided with a slot which extends inwardly of the table from one end of the table, article advancing means, an end of which is located adjacent the inner termination of said slot,

article conveying means located above the slot and'extending from 'said termination of the advancing means to adjacent the opposite termination of the slot, said conveying means having an element which enters'the slot for engagement with means for controlling operation of the article advancing means.

'In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name. I

- l f CLAUDE LL POST.

articles, said table being i 

